Tips for long-haul flights with kids

Are you about to go on an overseas holiday with your kids? From Australia many popular destinations involve a long-haul flight.

Like with many things to do with parenting, the more time you spend planning, the better and less stressful the outcome.

Here are some things to consider before you get on the plane with your little ones. 

When you start planning your trip, take into account the flight component from the get-go. You should think of it as a core feature of the entire holiday. Yeah, sorry. After all, it determines what shape you all arrive in at the end destination. So, consider the total flight time and whether you'd be better off booking a stopover. If so, what time of day do you want the kids to arrive at the stop over destination? Did you want them to go straight to bed or to be alert for possible activities on arrival?

Same goes for planning the entire journey – if you're planning a nonstop flight from Australia to Europe, North or South America, then, of course that's a whole new level of logistics. You might then plan for the first day on arrival to be a full-on rest day. Of course, planning when you depart from Australia will help you determine what shape the kids are at the end of that huge journey so you can plan as much or as little as possible when you finally get off that plane.

Parents know the value of lists. When everyone's busy and it gets closer to take off time, a list can help you stay organised.

You should have a list that's time-based. Think of a project plan that works backwards from the time of departure.

For example, what to consider when booking your flights, consulting your doctor, immunisation documentation, checking passport and visas, and travel insurance. 

Then the night before and what to take on the big day. Involve the older kids in planning and give them individual tasks so that they all feel part of the process. 

Allow more than the usual time to get to the airport. Remember, we're talking about travelling with kids.

You may opt for a night flight for your family as part of the planning. If you have an infant, prebook a space with a bassinet if needed. 

Night flights may not entirely defeat jet lag, but your kids may get some sleep upfront.  

Think ahead and book a visit to the doctor about two months before to understand what immunisations the whole family may need for your end destination.

Ensure you have enough prescriptions for any required medications. Get a letter from the doctor if any meds will raise questions at immigration at the end destination. 

If your children are prone to motion sickness you should check with your doctor regarding the proper medication to take on a flight. 

Pack any essential meds in a clear plastic bag and put in your hand luggage – pay attention to the airline's limits on liquids and the like. 

The clothes you pack in your hand luggage depend on the length of your destination and where you'll be disembarking. Younger kids may sleep better in their own PJs and changing into them may help signal that it's time to get some shut eye. You can only hope, right?

Also, pack some extras in case of mishaps like toileting disasters or spilt food and drinks. Plus of course, like packing for adults, kids will need layers on flights so that they can stay comfy.

On long flights, our feet can swell so choose kids' shoes that aren't tight and uncomfortable and can be slipped off easily. You could also take some slippers for kids who may want to go barefoot, but that's not allowed for safety and hygiene reasons.

You can make extra space in your hand luggage by minimising what you take for your yourself for example, take a large shawl for if you get cold that can double as a pillow. You have got to be resourceful in the parenting game. 

Unfortunately, the air pressure changes on take-off and landing can affect your kids' ears, causing discomfort.

Be prepared if this happens with some candies or gum to chew (depending on age). Some sources also recommend feeding infants with a bottle or breastfeeding. You could also have some paracetamol handy but consult your doctor before flying.

When planning what hand luggage to take, consider you may need to access your carry-on bags more frequently when travelling with kids. So, use small bags for different items grouped together like food/drinks, toys, activities, first aid/hygiene (hand sanitiser, tissues, wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste), pyjamas and favourite plush toys.

Special treats on a long flight can be a welcome treat for kids and a great relief to parents who may need to divert and entertain their kids over a long period of time. Plus, your kids may be fussy eaters, so treats from home may make it easier to keep them fed. Airline food varies in quality and may not appeal to your family. Look into the options to pre-order kids' meals in advance. 

Some options to bring from home are sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers and mini bags of treats like cookies. Due to customs restrictions, you may need to be consumed or leave them behind on the plane, so plan ahead to avoid waste.

We know that hydrating on flights is essential so ensure your kids are hydrated to reduce the effects of jet lag and headaches. 

Given that you're all jammed together in narrow seating, diverting your kids would be at the top of most parents' minds.

With little opportunity to let off steam by running around, the focus is on what kids can do while seated on a long flight. 

Like in everyday life, many educators recommend a balance of tangible/physical and digital activities.

According to Sophie Whitehouse-Sparks, experienced teacher and head of TutorTime Tutors and founder of YOU CAN SIT WITH ME, a kindness and inclusive campaign for schools, kids should ideally have a blend of analogue and digital in their lives both for education and entertainment. 

"Firstly, don't be afraid of flying with small children; it is a great adventure, and if you get stressed, so will the children. If you look at it as a great adventure, so will they.

"My hot tip is to first pack lots of healthy snacks and something chewy for take-off and landing, for example, a fruit rollup. Of course, pack extra clothes for spills and accidents; that's a given.

"But most importantly, don't leave home without a customised 'lucky dip' for your child. This may sound over the top and another job to do, but trust me, it is easy to do and will be a lifesaver on a long flight.

"Fill a bag with items you can pull out to divert your child during the flight. Depending on your child's age, you could fill it with stickers, felt pens or pencils, Lego, fuzzy felt craft items, small toy cars, farm animals or dinosaurs or anything else your child would like that is light and transportable. Wrap up each item for the element of surprise.

"By creating an element of surprise, you'll extend the entertainment value over a long flight.

"So, when boredom strikes, you have some excitement ready to happen. Remember, the trick is one lucky dip at a time, and best to have at least 20 mins before dipping in again.

"Of course, there's also the tried-and-true games like playing eye spy, card games, reading and memory games such as 'I went to the shops and I bought ...' then each person takes turns in recounting the ever-expanding list.

"But when everyone's tired, I recommend these apps to keep little ones entertained: - Barefoot World Atlas, Doodle Buddy, Maths Bingo, and Where's my Water?," Sophie says.

Load up your tablet with apps, games and movies before your departure so you're ready to go.

Pack some power packs so you're not dependent on sockets in airports to keep your devices charged. Remember to include a travel adapter so you can plug in when you're overseas.

Comfort is everything on a long-haul flight. You might want to take your own travel pillows or favourite blanky. Lavender spray can do wonders to help everyone relax.

If you are travelling with a young infant, you'll need all the baby paraphernalia for nappy changes as well. This may be the right time to review your baby carrier and invest in a study one for your travels.

Check out the baby change facilities before you fly and check whether you can be seated nearby. If you require milk to be warmed during the flight, contact the staff early so they know.

Before you leave, look into whether you're eligible to use the airport lounge facilities, which may make your travels more pleasant with kids. 

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